By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Pakistan’s taekwondo fighters will have to navigate a challenging qualification phase for this year’s Asian Games with the upcoming continental championship set to play a role under newly-introduced rules.
The Asian Taekwondo Championships, scheduled to be held in Mongolia from May 21-24, will serve as the official qualifying event for the Asian Games 2026.
Under the revised system, qualification for the multi-sport event, classified as a G-4 competition, has become more competitive, increasing the stakes for participating athletes. A total of 16 fighters in each weight category will qualify, including seven through the continental event, alongside one via rankings from the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU) and a representative from the host nation.
“It’s good that the qualifying round will be held as it will make the process more competitive unlike in the past when fighters could be fielded by the respective federations,” a senior official of the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) Col Mohammad Wasim told thecricketplus.com.
Pakistan will pin its hopes on a core group of fighters, including Haroon Khan, Shahzaib Khan and Hamza Saeed, all of whom are seen as capable of securing qualification for the Games, to be held from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
“These fighters have a chance and we are also focusing on Fatima, who is a fine competitor,” Wasim said, adding that the federation also plans to field one or two athletes in the poomsae discipline.
Haroon, however, is currently recovering from a knee injury sustained during the Mount Everest Taekwondo Championship in February in Nepal and is undergoing medical evaluation in Karachi.
Despite recent challenges, Pakistan has maintained a steady presence in international taekwondo. Shahzaib reached a career-high world ranking of No 5 in 2024, underscoring the country’s potential in the sport.
Wasim said the trio of Haroon, Shahzaib and Hamza possess the ability to upset top-ranked opponents on their day.
The development of Pakistan’s taekwondo talent has been aided by Iranian coach and former world champion Yousef Karami. However, his contract was not renewed by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) beyond June 30 last year.
The federation is also grappling with financial constraints following the withdrawal of PSB support but remains committed to sustaining its programmes through sponsorship.
Looking ahead, the PTF plans to host the President’s Cup, a G-3 event, in Lahore in August, offering fighters an opportunity to earn valuable ranking points. It is also preparing a bid to host the Asian Junior Open.
“We will continue to do our best,” Wasim said.
